Better Skiing/snowboarding, in 2003 or 2013???

[drjeff]

On HPD's request that I start a thread What do you think is/was/will be better the state of skiing 5 years ago in 2003 (full out ASC cheap all New England passes etc) or what you think will be the state of skiing/snowboarding 5 years from now (maybe more grooming/snowmaking, who knows???)

Debate away.

Me, personally, I think I like where the industry is heading (inspite of all these weather predictions that we'll one day be taking tropical vacation in New England in January). I like where technology is heading interms of equipment. So I'm going with 2013.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

It all depends upon global warming...2003 was better than 1993..with so much new terrain, snowmaking and high speed lifts with the same number of skier visits..

 

[tjf67]

5 years from now for sure. Snowmaking just keeps getting better. Up here in the ADk's we have been getting more than average snow for the past 8 years. Golbal warming is what it is but if the effect is more snow for the north east I will it.

 

[snoseek]

I'm not even gonna try to predict the weather in the future, it's pointless. As far as resorts go I don't really see the overall experience improving unless you happen to like big villages and crowded groomers. Nothing wrong with that but it's sad to see so many family owned areas run by the simple love of the sport go under. So much has changed about it even in my lifetime, some for the better, some not.

 

[Greg]

Wow. The first thread this summer that touches on the global warming thing. And it only took until August. That must be a record.

I think 2008-09 is going to be the best season. Right now, that's the only one I care about.

 

[Angus]

if global warming has a significant global impact in the next five years - maybe a better question would be, "will the Artic ocean be ice free in the summer of 2013", the winter of 2013 in NE will be very cold b/c the gulf stream will be shutting down - not sure what it means for precipitation - wetter or drier.

 

[Marc]

if global warming has a significant global impact in the next five years - maybe a better question would be, "will the Artic ocean be ice free in the summer of 2013", the winter of 2013 in NE will be very cold b/c the gulf stream will be shutting down - not sure what it means for precipitation - wetter or drier.

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE.

 

[drjeff]

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE.

And pay taxes until we do so!

 

[deadheadskier]

I certainly won't make any claims on weather, global warming etc, for 2013. From a financial stand point, I think things for the industry could be MUCH worse in 2013 than it is right now, perhaps more so for out west than in the east.

If the cost of air fare continues to rise like they have, the destination areas are going to take a huge hit. If the cost of gasoline spike further, there will be fewer middle and lower income people on the slopes. I think this latter point combined with the rise in fuel cost will result in a reduced number of skiers on the hill next winter as it is even if we have a similarly great natural snow year.

As things currently stand it is more expensive to ski today than it was in 2003 and it is more expensive for the ski area operators. Unless energy costs level and wages catch up, skiing will become more and more a sport for only the people with high incomes. I would not consider myself in that catagory and unless I have a change in occupation, I will still see myself in the middle class sector. I'm sure I'll still find ways to afford the sport, but that will be passion driven. Those in the same income bracket as I who are not as passionate, probably will ski significantly less as time marches on unless economic trends change for the positive.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

On HPD's request that I start a thread What do you think is/was/will be better the state of skiing 5 years ago in 2003 (full out ASC cheap all New England passes etc) or what you think will be the state of skiing/snowboarding 5 years from now (maybe more grooming/snowmaking, who knows???)

Debate away.

Me, personally, I think I like where the industry is heading (inspite of all these weather predictions that we'll one day be taking tropical vacation in New England in January). I like where technology is heading interms of equipment. So I'm going with 2013.

Nice topic, very thought provoking.

No matter which guy gets elected Pres. I thing a new wave of optimism will take hold in this country for various reasons that I can’t go into cause of the politics ban. I think(hope) the economy will be in much better shape by then and I think(hope) that will have a positive impact on the ski industry.

As previously stated by TJF snowmaking technology will continue to improve as will ski equipment. Since we can’t go back I’ll hope for the future.

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

glass is half full...2013 will be better than 2003...equipment will be for sure. I was skiing in the 70's and 80's...I think all the nostalgia is misplaced...crappy to non-existant snowmaking, piss poor grooming, cotton long underwear, long lift rides...and the same skier visits = long ass liftlines.
Don't get me wrong on the grooming comment...I prefer natural trails in fresh snow and don't think anything other than beginner terrain should be groomed on a powder day...but they used to groom back then too and there are lots of times here in the east when thaw/freeze cycles call for some resurfacing and refinishing...and it might was well be done well. If the goods aren't avail (which lots of times they aren't in NE) than I want to be able to rip some big gs turns on smooth cordouroy.

 

[mattchuck2]

I predict that the Northeast will get more precipitation due to Global Warming . . . (I think this has already started).

Whether or not this leads to more snow depends on how much warmer the Northeast is in the future . . . If it is approximately the same temperature as it is now, I predict some great years ahead . . . 2-5 degrees warmer and we might have some rainy days, glazed over ice, and short spring seasons . . .

As for the West, I predict less precipitation, i.e. less snow.

Europe will also get warmer, unless something catastrophic happens (shutdown of ocean conveyer belt leading to a cooling like the Younger Dryas event), in which case it will be freezing cold and will be the greatest spring skiing venue EVER (surpassing alaska).

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

I predict that the Northeast will get more precipitation due to Global Warming . . . (I think this has already started).

Whether or not this leads to more snow depends on how much warmer the Northeast is in the future . . . If it is approximately the same temperature as it is now, I predict some great years ahead . . . 2-5 degrees warmer and we might have some rainy days, glazed over ice, and short spring seasons . . .

As for the West, I predict less precipitation, i.e. less snow.

Europe will also get warmer, unless something catastrophic happens (shutdown of ocean conveyer belt leading to a cooling like the Younger Dryas event), in which case it will be freezing cold and will be the greatest spring skiing venue EVER (surpassing alaska).

Interesting...